Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 122

Cordelia sat slumped at her desk, now changed into her cozy pajamas. Elbows planted firmly on the wood, she cradled her smartphone in her hands, awaiting a reply from the members of her social group chat.

Since yesterday, the question had been gnawing at her, who exactly was Everard? Even Sanderson, the guy who knew everyone in town, didn’t recognize the name. Could it be that Everard was a ghost, a figment of her Imagination?

This morning’s chat in the Pioneers Group sparked a realization, the group was a melting pot of professionals from various fields. Surely someone might know him, right?

But after she posted her question, the chat fell eerily silent.

After a torturous two–minute wait, a reply finally popped up.

Bland asked, [Lia, are you pulling our leg? How could you not know him?]

Cordelia blinked, her instincts telling her that Bland knew Everard. She typed back hastily, [Who is he?]

Silence fell over the group once again.

Just as she was about to probe further, another message came through.

Nolnterruptions said, [Never heard of him.]

Like an icebreaker, the message prompted a flurry of responses.

Pianoman said, [Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.]

Mathster replied, [A mystery to me.]

Painter said, [Who?]

Chef replied, [Not a clue.]

Others all replied, [No idea.]

Everyone chimed in except Louie Adams. Cordelia’s brow furrowed as she read the stream of ignorance, finally addressing Bland directly, [So, you’re the one who knows him, @Bland?]

Bland replied, [No, I definitely do not.]

was confused, texting.

brain fart. Got

speechless,

and nobody knew

Painter’s earlier message – [If anyone digs up anything about him, I’d appreciate

from her grandmother. The technical jargon was almost alien to her, making for a

flipped through the pages with

“learning never ends” couldn’t have been more true. She had thought her high school education was comprehensive and had even self–studied some college material, but compared to the true experts, she was leagues

down on

read on until 11:30 PM when Lorna brought her a cup of milk and honey. “Get some sleep, dear.

always open to good advice, nodded in agreement.

setting her alarm when a new message popped up on her phone,

why are you asking about this

moment before replying with the naked truth, (He’s

way. Is he in Greenmeadow?]

do you know

full ten minutes before sending back a

did he mean by keeping her distance? They hadn’t even been

sighed deeply, replying. I can’t stay away

she was waxing poetic about love, just as Lorna and Sanderson would. But how could she

she could decide, Louie replied, [Why?]

she responded: [Because “Love or Die” curse. Do

Louie went silent.

another ten minutes, but still no message. Was there a glitch?

I know. I’ll see your granddad about a treatment tomorrow, and we can talk then.]

knew. He

have called him immediately,

typed a single word

down, dried her hair, and slipped into bed. Just as she was about to turn

at the screen, recognizing Everard’s number. What could he

voice, more velvety than she

voice seemed different in the nocturnal stillness, somehow more appealing. She hesitated

he stated, his voice so soothing it seemed to caress the night air.